Demands for medical imaging and workforce Size: A nationwide population-based Study, 2000-2020.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate associations between workforce and workload among radiologists in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data for the period 2000-2020 describing the demand for imaging services and radiologists have been obtained from databases and statistical reports of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The future demand for radiologists was based on Taiwanese people aged 40 and over. RESULTS: The workforce of Taiwan's radiologists has increased by 6 % annually over the past 20 years (from 450 to 993), performing 2125, 3202 and 3620 monthly examinations (mainly conventional radiography and CT) in medical centers, regional hospitals and district hospitals. Between 2000 and 2020, the use of CT and MRI increased by more than 3.5 times. Demand for interventional radiology also increased by 1.77 times, 2.25 times, and 5 times, respectively. To maintain this volume of services in 2040, at least 1168 radiologists are needed, about 1.18 times more in 2020. CONCLUSION: Taiwan has 2.4 to 2.9 times fewer radiologists than the United States and 3 times fewer than Europe, while the annual workload is approximately 2 to 3.4 times greater than that of the United States and 1.4 to 2.5 times greater than that of the United Kingdom. This report may serve as a reference for policy makers who address the challenges of the growing workload among radiologists in countries of similar situations.

Exploring Multiple Application Scenarios of Visual Communication Course Using Deep Learning Under the Digital Twins.

The emergence of intelligent technology has brought a particular impact and allows for virtuality-reality interaction in the educational field. In particular, digital twins (DTs) feature virtuality-reality symbiosis, solid virtual simulation, and high real-time interaction. It has also seen extended applications to the field of education. This study optimizes the design of the visual communication (Viscom) course based on the deep learning (DL) algorithm. Firstly, the theory of DL is analyzed following the relevant literature, and the typical DL networks, network structures, and related algorithms are introduced. Secondly, Viscom technology is expounded, and DL technology is applied to the Viscom course. Then, the applicability and feasibility of DL in the Viscom course are analyzed through a questionnaire survey (QS) design by collecting students' attitudes towards Viscom courses before and after the experiment. After introducing DL into the Viscom course, the results show that students' learning interest and satisfaction with the practical knowledge mastery have increased. However, the satisfaction with theoretical knowledge mastery before practical courses has decreased; overall, the teaching effect of the Viscom course has been improved. Therefore, the introduction of DL into the DT-enabled Viscom can provide a reference for developing the Viscom course. The research content offers technical support (TS) for integrating DT technology and modern education.

Bismuth breast-shield use in chest computed tomography for efficient dose reduction and sufficient image quality.

BACKGROUND: Radiosensitivity in the breasts increases the risk of carcinogenesis from exposure to the ionizing radiation of computed tomography (CT) administered in the course of medical attention. Bismuth shielding techniques have been used to reduce radiation, but image noise increased, degrading image quality. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate how the use of iterative reconstruction (IR) combined with bismuth shielding influences image quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women aged at least 20 years with body mass indexes <28 were recruited and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 CT scanning protocols without shielding, with a bismuth breast shield before the scout view, or with a bismuth breast shield after the scout view. All obtained images were reconstructed using an IR algorithm. To evaluate radiation dose, 2 Gafchromic films were placed over the clothes, 1 near each nipple. RESULTS: Average dose reduction was significant (27.99%, P < .05) when bismuth shielding was applied after the scout view. Using the contrast-to-noise ratio, the image quality was found to be superior when the IR algorithm was applied. Using quantitative evaluations by 2 radiologists applying a 4-point Likert scale, significant differences in image quality were not found among the 3 protocols. CONCLUSION: Bismuth breast shields, particularly when used after acquiring scout images, are effective at reducing radiation dose without undermining the diagnostic value of the images when the IR technique is applied.

Large-volume iodinated contrast medium extravasation: low frequency and good outcome after conservative management in a single-centre cohort of more than 67,000 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to retrospectively investigate the frequency and outcome of large-volume iodinated contrast medium (CM) extravasation in our institution and to compare our management protocol to current practice. METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained, and informed consent was waived because the study was retrospective. From January 2008 to September 2016, radiological examinations with intravenous non-ionic iodinated CM administration were performed in 67,129 patients. Contrast medium extravasation events on CT scans and intravenous pyelograms but not on angiograms were included. All data were collected prospectively and stratified according to age, injection method (manual vs auto-injection), prevention of extravasation by various means (including intercom alarm), management of extravasation (routine application of silver sulfadiazine ointment, clobetasol propionate cream, and damp gauze at room temperature), etc. RESULTS: The incidence of large-volume CM extravasation was very low (0.04% [27/67,129] overall; 0.03% related to manual injection [age range, 59-92 years; mean, 75.4 years], and 0.045% related to auto-injection [age range, 36-86 years; mean, 65.8 years]). The CM extravasation volume in majority of patients was 20-40 ml in 5 of 9 patients (55.6%) in the manual injection group and 14 of 18 (77.8%) in the auto-injection group. Swelling and pain were the most common symptoms. No patient developed severe signs or needed surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Results show a very low incidence of large-volume CM extravasation without severe complications or sequelae. The casual effect between our protocols and good outcome cannot be scrutinised thoroughly because the study lacks a control group and is retrospective. KEY POINTS: • The incidence of large-volume contrast medium extravasation (≥20 ml) was 0.04%. • No patient needed surgical intervention, and most recovered within 7 days. • Each element of our management protocol contributed to good outcome.